In wake of 38 Studios, EDC launches 'Reputation Management Committee'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The first order of business for the Economic Development Corporation's new "Marketing/Reputation Management Committee" when it meets for the first time: "Discussion on reputation management.''

According to EDC spokeswoman Melissa Czerwein, these are the committee's initial goals:

-- "Work with community partners on better defining the 'Rhode Island Brand.' ''

-- "Promote collaborative work on unified messaging around economic development branding among [other[ public funded entities,'' such as the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, the Quonset Development Corporation and the I-195 Commission.

The subcommittee is one of five created by the EDC's Board of Directors, since Marcel Valois' recent return to the troubled agency that has, in the last year, became synonymous with the 38 Studios debacle that left taxpayers on the hook for a $75-million state-backed loan to retired Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's now-bankrupt videogame company.

UPDATE: The meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled due to last-minute scheduling changes that resulted in a lack of quorum, according to Czerwein who said it will be rescheduled.